Fluoridated New Zealand dental decay getting worse
Kids' dental decay figures fuel fluoride debate WEDNESDAY, 19 APRIL 2006 By GEOFF TAYLOROpposing sides of Hamilton's fluoride debate have contrasting spins on Health Ministry figures showing young children's teeth are getting worse.
The 2004 figures showed that nationally the average five-year-old had 2.1 decayed, missing or filled teeth compared with two in 2003 and 1.83 in 2002.
Sampling done on children at about the age of 12 showed a slight improvement in their teeth.
Waikato medical officer of health Felicity Dumble indicated the figures showed the importance of the poll being held in Hamilton on fluoridation this month.
"At a time like this the last thing you would want to do is remove fluoride and exacerbate the problem," she said.
"We have seen from places like Morrinsville and Tauranga what you get when you take fluoride out is an increase in dental decay in children.
"We consistently promote fluoride as part of an oral health strategy which includes regular brushing and a good diet."
Fluoride Action Network spokeswoman Caren McConnell said children's dental health had also deteriorated in fluoridated areas. Health authorities were failing to address the real causes of decay.
"It's about time the Ministry of Health admitted that dental decay is caused by excess sugar in the diet and poor oral hygiene."
Health Ministry chief adviser oral health Robin Whyman said the decline in the oral health of young children was a worldwide issue that appeared to be linked to significant changes in western diet and more consumption of juices, sugared drinks and snack foods.
"Previously the focus of school dental services has been on the primary school age group, but with disease occurring more severely in this younger group, the new challenge is about how to best meet the needs of pre-school children."
The 2004 figures showed that nationally the average five-year-old had 2.1 decayed, missing or filled teeth compared with two in 2003 and 1.83 in 2002.
Sampling done on children at about the age of 12 showed a slight improvement in their teeth.
Waikato medical officer of health Felicity Dumble indicated the figures showed the importance of the poll being held in Hamilton on fluoridation this month.
"At a time like this the last thing you would want to do is remove fluoride and exacerbate the problem," she said.
"We have seen from places like Morrinsville and Tauranga what you get when you take fluoride out is an increase in dental decay in children.
"We consistently promote fluoride as part of an oral health strategy which includes regular brushing and a good diet."
Fluoride Action Network spokeswoman Caren McConnell said children's dental health had also deteriorated in fluoridated areas. Health authorities were failing to address the real causes of decay.
"It's about time the Ministry of Health admitted that dental decay is caused by excess sugar in the diet and poor oral hygiene."
Health Ministry chief adviser oral health Robin Whyman said the decline in the oral health of young children was a worldwide issue that appeared to be linked to significant changes in western diet and more consumption of juices, sugared drinks and snack foods.
"Previously the focus of school dental services has been on the primary school age group, but with disease occurring more severely in this younger group, the new challenge is about how to best meet the needs of pre-school children."
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